Rory McIlroy has done it again, claiming his second consecutive Masters title in thrilling fashion at Augusta National.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman held off world number one Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke, finishing on 12-under par after a nerve-shredding final round.
It's a remarkable achievement that puts McIlroy in elite company – he's now just the fourth player ever to win back-to-back green jackets, following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, who last managed the feat in 2002.
Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Cameron Young and Russell Henley all shared third place, four shots behind the champion.
Rory McIlroy has defended his Masters crown, becoming just the fourth person ever to do so
|REUTERS
What a rollercoaster it was for McIlroy, who looked utterly dominant heading into the weekend with a record six-shot advantage.
But Saturday saw that cushion evaporate entirely, and early on Sunday he found himself two strokes behind as both Cameron Young and Justin Rose – the man he defeated in last year's play-off – took turns leading the tournament.
The defending champion showed tremendous grit, though, responding with consecutive birdies from the seventh hole before adding two more gains in a row from the 12th.
At one point he stretched his lead to three shots, only for Rose and Scheffler to come charging back.
The drama wasn't over yet, though – McIlroy hit a dreadful tee shot on the 18th that threatened another late collapse, echoing last year's wobble when he squandered a four-shot lead before eventually completing his career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy celebrated with wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy after winning The Masters
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This time, a two-putt bogey was enough to seal the deal.
When that final putt dropped, McIlroy gazed skyward and let out an almighty roar before embracing his caddie and best mate Harry Diamond.
The emotional scenes continued as he hugged daughter Poppy beside the 18th green and kissed wife Erica.
There was also a special moment with parents Rosie and Gerry, who had missed last year's triumph.
McIlroy now stands alongside Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Woods as the only golfers to successfully defend The Masters title.
His sixth major championship also draws him level with Faldo's European record – making him just the 15th player in history to reach that milestone.
Holywood has its sequel. #themasters pic.twitter.com/L7N9el2aC3
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026
Legendary coach Butch Harmon was full of praise on Sky Sports Golf: "I think it's fantastic. I thought coming in here that Rory would be more relaxed.
"He ran right ahead of everybody [at halfway], came backwards yesterday and then there was the ebb and flow of today. The Masters always delivers on the drama, the glory. And he's now a two-time champion."